Why Apple should develop its own 5G iPhone tech

Apple’s fight with Qualcomm seems likely to force a search for alternative iPhone modems suppliers. However, with carriers expected to launch 5G networks from around 2020, might Cupertino plan to develop its own 5G technologies for use in future iOS devices?

Some evidence

In the short term, Apple appears to be tightening its relationship with Intel. This could extend to capping the technologies used in iPhones, one Bloomberg report claimed. Apple’s accusation that Qualcomm’s royalty schemes place a “burden” on innovation suggests other challenges on the road ahead. That Apple has won wide industry support in its case will be an interesting twist for courts to decide.

Apple’s fight with Qualcomm seems likely to force a search for alternative iPhone modems suppliers. However, with carriers expected to launch 5G networks from around 2020, might Cupertino plan to develop its own 5G technologies for use in future iOS devices?

Some evidence

In the short term, Apple appears to be tightening its relationship with Intel. This could extend to capping the technologies used in iPhones, one Bloomberg report claimed. Apple’s accusation that Qualcomm’s royalty schemes place a “burden” on innovation suggests other challenges on the road ahead. That Apple has won wide industry support in its case will be an interesting twist for courts to decide.